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Expert prediction

Detroit Lions vs San Francisco 49ers Odds, and Picks (Jan 28)

  • Keith McCarthy
  • Jan 22, 2024 at 6:31 PM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • The Lions continued their historic season with a 31-23 win over the Bucs.
  • San Francisco survived a close game against the Packers, winning it 24-21.
  • These two teams last met on September 12, 2021, in a game the 49ers won 41-33.

The NFL playoffs have reached the conference championship games! Let’s preview the upcoming Lions vs 49ers NFC Championship. Detroit is seeking to win in San Francisco and make their first ever Super Bowl.


How to Watch

  • FOX

Preview

Detroit defeated the Buccaneers, earning a spot in the NFC Championship game. Prior to this season, the Lions were the only team in the NFC to only make one conference title game, and the only team to never win it and advance to the Super Bowl. They already snapped a 31-year drought without a division title and a 33-year drought without an NFC title game, but will face another uphill battle against the stacked 49ers.

The 49ers made the NFC Championship Game for the 4th time in the past 5 seasons. They’ve been one of the most successful NFC teams over the past decade, but haven’t been able to turn it into a championship yet. They’ll be aiming to change that this season, and need to start by winning this game against Detroit. San Francisco has a fully stacked roster, but needs a bit more consistency from QB Brock Purdy this week.


Prediction

The Lions are the only NFC team to never make the Super Bowl. They’ll be giving absolutely everything they have to earn their long-overdue first Super Bowl appearance. At the same time, the 49ers are aiming to end a 30-year title drought of their own, and have the more complete roster. Combine that with their home-field advantage, and San Francisco should be able to win it. I’ll take the 49ers to win, but not cover.

NFL Picks:

  • 49ers 27, Lions 21 ()

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